Pattaya Classic Car Show breaks all records

The largest collection ever of Classic Cars in Thailand was also the second Pattaya classic car show and was held on the manicured lawns in front of the Asia Pattaya Hotel. Initially expecting 82 classics, there were a couple of notable dropouts, especially the 1990 Jaguar XJ 220 which experienced an engine failure during the week before the show weekend. However, last minute entries swelled the numbers, finishing at more than 90 cars.

Last weekend Pattaya hosted one of the largest collection ever of Classic Cars in Thailand for the second annual Classic Car Show, this year held at the Asia Pattaya hotel. Shown here, a 1962 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible, owned and driven by Thanate Jinchotikul, brings sponsor women from the Riviera Group and children from beneficiaries the Child Protection and Development Centre along Beach Road in a parade of 46 classic, vintage and sports cars, the largest ever in Thailand.

Many of the classics came from Bangkok, whilst others came from Pattaya and Hua Hin, and one notable entry from Phuket, driven up, rather than being brought on a trailer. All in all it was recorded that participants came from 11 nations and was undoubtedly declared to be the biggest Classic Car Show in Thailand. It was also noted that more than 1200 visitors of many nationalities attended the show where they stopped to admire the dazzling collection of some of the most beautiful awe-inspiring classic cars.

Jo Klemm, President of the Classic Car Friends Pattaya and his team split the show into static displays on the Saturday, followed by a charity BBQ in the Asia Pattaya Hotel that evening. More than 200 guests attended the dinner where an auction of motor memorabilia and other donated items raised a considerably large sum of money for charity.

It should also be noted that the proceeds totaling a respectable sum of 400,000 baht from the Classic Car Show went to the underprivileged children from the Human Help Network Foundation under the care of the most benevolent Ratchada Chomjinda (Toy) director of the foundation.

On the Sunday, there was a parade from Pratamnak Hill, down to Pattaya via Second Road, returning via Beach Road. The classic cars also had some of the orphans as passengers, an exciting time for the underprivileged youngsters. Thousands of people lined the roads waving and cheering as the amazing classics drove by.

The overall condition of the cars was judged on the Saturday and the judges comprising of Dr. Iain Corness, Dr. Dean Gilard and Jo Klemm remarked on the very high standard of preparation (and restoration), remembering that many of the cars were well over 50 years old.

Ratchada Chomjinda (Toy), Director of the Human Help Network Foundation expresses her heartfelt gratitude to the organisers for their love and care for the children.

Mention must be made of the Riviera hospitality tent, being the major sponsor of the event, and also of the venue ‘brolly dollies’ outfitted in eye catching yellow and black checkers, who were kept busy all afternoon posing for photographs. Other sponsors and supporters included Europa Auto Service, Liqui Moly, Pattaya Mail, Asia Pattaya Hotel, GO Property Thailand and Der Farang.